Interview with : Pierre-Emmanuel Jacob, Director of the Alliance française in Singapore

"What's fascinating about Singapore is its ability to redefine itself every ten years, without any complexes or qualms - probably a question of survival. Singapore, Asia's cultural hub, has its origins in the city's pragmatism. The concept took off in 2002-2003 with the Esplanade theatre complex on Marina Bay. Behind this was a real political will and, above all, financial resources. The other advantage is Singapore's geographical location. The city is a place where all the regional cultures are expressed, not only because the Chinese, Indians, Indonesians and Malays live together there, but also because other cultures have been grafted onto it for over 100 years, generally to trade.

The Singapore Arts Festival is without doubt the best of its kind in the region, as are the festivals of Chinese, Indian and Malay culture and the Fringe Festival, which give a voice to artists from all over the region. There is an increasing number of universities and colleges devoted to the fine arts. New museums have opened in recent years with remarkable collections, in particular the ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum). The National Gallery, currently under construction, should be just as remarkable.

Finally, Singapore has developed a very lively theatre scene, with both national and avant-garde troupes such as the Toy Factory. Contrary to what is sometimes thought in France, there is a great deal of freedom of expression in this country. Only ethnic or religious issues are excluded, in order to respect the harmony of the country. This is understandable... "